Fedora is the second most popular Linux distribution (after Ubuntu). This article will show you how to install Fedora from an installation CD or USB stick.
Steps
Step 1. Download the installation image from the Fedoraproject website
If you are a KDE fan, check out this site.
Step 2. Burn the image (ISO file) to a disc or flash drive (burn the disc at a slow speed)
Step 3. Change BIOS settings
Restart your computer and while it boots press F2 or Delete (or another key to enter BIOS on your computer). In BIOS, set the USB flash drive or optical drive to be the first boot device.
Step 4. After booting from a disk or flash drive, select "Live Drive" on the screen (otherwise you risk deleting all information from your hard drive)
Step 5. Explore the system using the file manager
Take a look at the apps preinstalled in the OS and the apps available in the package manager.
Step 6. Install the system to your hard drive
To do this, click "Install to Hard drive".
Step 7. Click "Next" and choose a keyboard layout
Step 8. Enter the computer name
You can leave it as the default, or you can enter it. Then click Next.
Step 9. Select a time zone
Then click Next.
Step 10. Enter the superuser password
Choose a password that is difficult to guess.
Step 11. Select the installation mode
- "Use all space". In this mode, the hard drive will be formatted (all your data will be erased) and the system will be installed on the entire hard drive.
- "Use free space". If you have unallocated (free) space on your hard drive, it will be used to install Fedora.
- "Replace existing Linux System". This mode will uninstall another Linux distribution and install Fedora instead.
- Shrink current system. In this mode, you can shrink any partition on your hard drive to install Fedora on the freed space.
- "Create Custom Layout". In this mode, you can create and delete partitions manually. (For advanced users only.)
Step 12. Choose the installation mode that suits you best and click Next
Then click "write changes to disk".
Step 13. Wait for the installation to complete
It will take about 5-10 minutes (depending on your computer).
Step 14. Restart your computer
To do this, remove the installation disc or USB flash drive and click "System" - "Shut down".
Step 15. Click "Forward" and read and agree to the terms of the license agreement
Step 16. Click Forward
On the "Create user" screen, enter your username and password.
Step 17. Set the date and time, and then click the "Network Time Protocol" tab
Configure getting accurate time via Network Time Protocol (NTP) so you don't have to worry about time settings later. To do this, check "Enable network time protocol" and click "Forward".
Step 18. Optional
Submit your hardware details to the Fedora Project to help develop software to meet your hardware requirements.
Step 19. Log in with your username and password
Advice
- If you don't like Fedora, head over to http://www.distrowatch.com and check out the other Linux distributions available. Don't be intimidated by the sheer number of distributions. Among them there are some really great systems with preinstalled programs and drivers.
- Make a note of the names and models of your video card and wireless internet card, as not all drivers are preinstalled on the system.
Warnings
- Turning off your computer during system installation may adversely affect system performance.
- On most Linux distributions, you can download and install proprietary drivers (in some countries, such drivers are protected by copyright law).
- First download a test version of Fedora (from an installation CD / USB stick). If the test version does not work, then most likely the system will not work on your computer.
NOTE: The test version uses open source drivers. That is, even if the test version works correctly on your computer, you may encounter a driver compatibility issue after installing Fedora to your hard drive. You can use open source drivers, but some features may not be available (for example, 3D rendering may not work if an open source driver is installed)
- Installing Fedora can uninstall any other operating system installed on your computer; therefore, back up all important data.